WHAT IT IS: Originally calling themselves Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Detroit duo Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott came together in 2009. Set up in a basement studio, the pair worked to create a sound that was danceable without sacrificing songwriting, and managed to merge intricate and airy melodies with solid programmed beats and synth atmospherics. With an ear for Brian Wilson-esque harmony, their third, self-titled album swirls indie pop, folk and electronic elements into one breezy package.
ALBUM: JR JR
RELEASE DATE: 9/25
SINGLE: “Gone”
TV: Conan (9/16), Fox, mtvU
LIVE: Currently headlining 31-city North American tour that continues through November
INTERNET: 69k Facebook likes, 26k Twitter followers; 100k+ views on single’s official music video
RADIO: 9/22 impact date; added by 46 Alt and Triple A stations, including Sirius XM Alt Nation, Music Choice Alternative, KYSR Los Angeles, WKQX Chicago, KCRW
PRESS: Relix, American Songwriter, Travel With Purpose, Relevant, Music Connection, Under the Radar, Daily Beast, Howard Stern Wrap-Up, Yahoo!, Nylon, Rolling Stone, Buzzfeed, Idolator, Paste, VICE, Fender, NPR All Songs & First Watch
BOOKING: Jackie Nalpant/Paradigm
PUBLISHING: DNZ Music (ASCAP)/Johnny Panic Music (ASCAP)/Dan Nigro Publishing Designee/Mike Higgins Publishing Designee
MANAGEMENT: Justin Spindler & Benjy Grinberg/Rostrum